Drevaniz

Suminia is a small sized synapsid with oval-shaped head, slender hand, moderate torso, elongated limbs, manus and pes, and 12 cm tall. Adaptations to arboreal lifestyle are understood to evolve through convergent evolution. However, many arboreal vertebrates share similar physical mechanisms (grasping, clinging, hooking).

Suminia belong to the monophyly/infraorder Venyukovioidea, a sub clade of basal anomodonts.

Abilities

Coming soon

Ecology

Suminia getmanovi is the only defined species within the genus and it is known for specializations in teeth for effective, functional oral processing of plant material as well as being one of the first species with a proposed arboreal lifestyle. Adaptations to arboreal lifestyle are understood to evolve through convergent evolution. However, many arboreal vertebrates share similar physical mechanisms (grasping, clinging, hooking).

Suminia is referred to as the earliest known arboreal tetrapod due to the suggested grasping abilities inferred from the notably enlarged and phalangiform carpal 1 and tarsal 1 which indicate that they possess a divergent first digit, capable of grasping. In combination with a masticatory architecture similar to Dicynodonts (defined by sliding jaw articulation). Suminia's canineless, large leaf shaped teeth follow occluding dentition that is completely marginal which differs from other species with leaf-shaped teeth present. This provides indications not only for herbivory, but into the mechanisms of oral processing.

Behavior

Suminia is passive and runs away or climbing up to the trees.

Distribution and Habitat

Its fossil localities are primarily derived from the Kotel’nich locality of the Kirov region in Russia. However, there have been some isolated specimen found in a few different localities, all from eastern European regions of Russia. Suminia getmanovi provides anatomical evidence that it lived among the trees, stamping a significant mark in evolutionary history for arboreal lifestyle.

Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Stable
Population: 0
Locomotion: Terrestrial
Habitat: All
Earth: Russia